Staff Reporter
My name is Ben Odgers and my journey through the drinks industry started back in 2001 at Majestic Wine Warehouses in the UK. I worked my way up to the head office, earning numerous qualifications in wines and spirits along the way. In 2008, I took a leap and founded Le Clos – Finest Wines and Luxury Spirits for Emirates Airlines Group in Dubai. Over the next 14 years, I led the business to generate hundreds of millions of Euros in revenue, create more than one hundred jobs, and earn dozens of industry awards.
One of the highlights of my career was selling two bottles of The Macallan 1926, often hailed as the holy grail of whisky. It took me a decade to track down these bottles, as they had been hidden away in private collections. Only forty bottles were ever made, within that different label editions were produced. I sold one bottle with a label designed by British pop artist Sir Peter Blake and another by renowned Italian artist Valerio Adami. With only twelve bottles of each variant ever produced, I sold them to an Asian collector for 600,000 Euros each, setting a world record at the time. Since then, The Macallan 1926 has continued to break records, with the last auction fetching 2.5 million Euros for a Sir Peter Blake label.
Despite COVID-19 ravaging the duty-free industry, I successfully navigated the business through and in April 2022 delivered the best fiscal year in Le Clos’s history. I knew then was the right time to move on to pastures new. Having decided it was time for a lifestyle change, that summer my family and I moved to La Costa Tropical and I have recently launched Spirits Sourcery, a drinks and retail business designed to serve producers, trade, and consumers alike.
At Spirits Sourcery, I am committed to offering unparalleled access to the world’s rarest wines and spirits. With over 20 years of experience in the luxury drinks industry, I have curated access to an extraordinary collection, including twelve bottles of the elusive Macallan 1926. What ever bottle you are looking for I can source and at the best pricing.
I believe in the power of the personal touch. That is why I offer bespoke labels that add a unique and memorable element to every gift or occasion. Want custom labels for your wedding wine or the ultimate corporate gift? I can provide award-winning wines to provide something truly special. I also bring fresh energy to the drinks industry with custom-tailored events that are unforgettable. Want to taste whisky distilled one hundred years ago? No problem.
For producers and retailers, I offer expert insights that provide a competitive edge. In challenging times, it is not just about having a great product—it is about having the right strategy. That is where my market intelligence comes in, helping accelerate growth and boost visibility. My focus is on helping wine and spirits producers connect with new markets across the globe, whether you are in the North, South, East, or West. I am dedicated to expanding their reach and creating new opportunities for growth.
I am also enthusiastic about offering “money cannot buy” experiences within the drinks industry. Just let me know where and when you want to visit, and I will take care of the rest. As the ultimate drinks concierge, I ensure every detail is managed, providing an experience that goes beyond expectations.
Lastly, I work closely with food and beverage operators to help them reduce wine and spirits costs, optimising their potential and strengthening margins. In today’s fast-paced, competitive market, Spirits Sourcery offers the business acumen and expertise you can rely on for success in the global drinks industry.
To celebrate the launch of the business I am giving away five complimentary hours of expert consultancy—valued at over 1,000 Euros—to one lucky business or individual in the drinks or retail industries. Email info@spiritssourcery.com with the title “in it to win it” and a short summary of what you need help with and the winner will be contacted by email. Find out more about the business at www.spiritssourcery.com.
